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Going for Tulsa Pro
I've posted here a few times over the last year and have read most of the posts from others. I was diagnosed in January 2024 through an ultrasound biopsy (it should have been MRI guided), followed by a PSA test CT scan, MRI, and Decipher test. My cancer is not aggressive, but there are three growths in my prostate. My doctors recommended a full ablation, and I’ve decided to go with the Tulsa Procedure at UCLA with Dr. Steven Raman.
I’ve waited until now because I believe Medicare will begin covering the procedure on the 1st. of 2025. Earlier this year, I switched from a Medicare HMO plan (Blue Shield) to Original Medicare with a supplemental plan, where Medicare covers 80% and the supplemental plan pays the remaining 20%. It’s been incredibly difficult to determine whether Medicare will actually cover the procedure, as I’ve received conflicting information. However, I think they will.
I considered going back to an HMO with United Health Plans, which includes UCLA physicians as in-network, but no one could guarantee that they’d cover the procedure either.
Anyway, I thought I’d document this journey. It begins on January 5th, when I’ll check into an Airbnb hotel near the procedure location. This is two days before the procedure. I’ll have to fast those 2 days and completely empty my stomach (I’ll spare you the details). In the best-case scenario, I’ll wake up with a catheter and a “burned out” prostate. I’ll need to wear the catheter for at least two weeks. Hopefully, they'll get it all 🙂
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@pdcar4756 thanks. The Tulsa folks recommended two area providers. University of Chicago and St. Louis University/SSM. Both have good reviews.
The important thing is to make sure you're having this procedure done at a center of excellence by someone who has done it with success (however we define that) many times. Best of luck. I had TULSA PRO in October of 2024 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN with Dr. Woodrum. So far, so good. My next visit and MRI are April 2027.
Hi all,
I’ve been following this thread and I want to thank all of the participants. The information you’ve shared puts me at ease that I’ve made the right decision to go with the TULSA Pro. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in Nov 2025. I had planned to undergo radiation for the treatment of my cancer. For some strange reason (Divine intervention) I searched for alternatives to radiation and TULSA came up. My urologist had provided me with the options of a prostatectomy or radiation. No mention of TULSA.
I’m 69 years old and in pretty good health other than prostate cancer. My cancer is pretty far along with 17 out of 20 cores having cancer. My PSA was 9.6 which is what triggered my primary care physician to send me to a urologist. My Gleason score is Group 3, (4+3=7). My prostate capsule is enclosed with no calcification so I’m a candidate for TULSA Pro. My procedure will be scheduled in about six weeks. Based on the comments you’ve provided I’m actually looking forward to the procedure with high expectations of getting back to normal with no cancer.
Wish me well.
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2 Reactions@jcf58 Thank you for the encouragement. I understand that they have a facility in Duarte, California that also does the procedure. I might opted to have it done there. It's closer to where my sister lives.
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1 Reaction@ucfron Thank you for your detailed response and congrats on your treatment success.
@tdoriausername I did Hemi gland Tulsa Pro at Mayo in Jacksonville FL in Dec. 2025. My Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield covered it and since I had met my out of packet max for the year which is $7,000 it was fully covered. Week with the catheter was hard, but since then all is good. Utinating better then before and have had sex 4 times in the two months following the procedure. Going back March 26th for first PSA test. Praying all is good. Lots of things led me to Tulsa Pro mainly the location of my lesson which was anterior ir on the inner layer of the prostate. It was also just one core of the 13 core biopsy that showed 70% abnormal and only 10% of that 70% was 4 for a 3+4=7. All other tests including PSMA PET showed confined. I’m very happy so far with what I did.
Yes, UCLA accepted my Medicare with supplemental. I spent a couple of nights in an Airbnb while in Santa Monica while having my procedure done. That was during the LA fires and they were a little to close for comfort. I traveled with my girlfriend at that time but honestly, the only thing she helped me with was the ride from the hospital to the Airbnb. I spent the next night after the procedure there but then I drove us back home. The catheter was the only pain and it's more pain in the ass than real pain lol. Best of luck.
@tdoriausername
I wouldn’t rule out Tulsa at UCLA if you are in AZ. Drive over, spend 1 night, have procedure, drive home. You can have catheter removed locally. The procedure for me was painless and I took my normal 2 mile walk the next day. My guess is they will also take your Medicare plus supplement plan. I had zero cost at Mayo Rochester, using Medicare and supplement.
@tdoriausername
Hi...Dr Raman is at UCLA and yes he performs Tulsa Pro procedures.
@paulcalif
Hi Paul,
Thank you for sharing your experience! Tulsa is definitely one of my top choices 😊 I am waiting for my appointment at Mayo in Arizona Mar 2-2026 for the targeted Fusion MRI biopsy hopefully it will be good news ✅ And NO chemical castration for sure ……. Please keep me in the loop will share my experience as well……
Ray 😊🇺🇸